Addis Ababa has sharply criticized Cairo, accusing Egyptian officials of being stuck in the past and failing to adapt to the realities of the 21st century. A spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that repeated pronouncements from Egyptian officials reflect a deep-seated adherence to a colonial-era mindset.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry asserted that Egyptian officials are exhibiting a complete rejection of dialogue, coupled with thinly veiled threats. The statement emphasized that some in Cairo continue to operate under the outdated belief that they possess exclusive rights to the Nile’s waters, based on antiquated treaties and unsubstantiated claims of “historical rights.”
“Egypt has consistently pursued a policy aimed at keeping nations in the Horn of Africa weak and fragmented to serve its own interests,” the statement alleged, further accusing Egypt of orchestrating an ongoing campaign to destabilize the region, particularly Ethiopia. The accusations come amidst ongoing disagreements regarding the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ethiopia maintains its right to utilize the Abbay River, which contributes approximately 86% of the Nile’s waters, as a natural resource within its borders. It asserts that its use of the river adheres to the internationally recognized principle of equitable and reasonable utilization, without the need for permission from any other party.
The spokesperson stated that Egypt’s rejection of dialogue is now overt and explicit, contrasting with its previous claims of engaging in negotiations while simultaneously obstructing progress by clinging to monopolistic demands. The Ethiopian government believes that Egypt’s most prudent course of action is to coexist with Ethiopia’s development and work towards a framework of cooperation that fosters shared prosperity, rather than engaging in escalatory rhetoric that undermines regional stability. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
